Diageo announces executive changes

Diageo has announced a range of appointments to its executive committee.

Andy Fennel, the company’s chief marketing officer, will be taking up a the position of president and chief operating officer, Africa and will be reporting to Nick Blazquez, who is currently president Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey. Fennel will take up the role from 1 July 2013 and he will continue to work as a member of Diageo’s executive committee.

The drinks company’s global innovation director, Syl Saller will take over from Fennel as the chief marketing officer, also from 1 July. As well as the new role Saller will also join the executive committee.

Ivan Menezes, currently the chief operating officer and the man who will take over from Paul Walsh as Diageo’s chief executive next year, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Syl Saller to the executive. Syl brings a great breadth of marketing and general management experience to her new position. In particular, her global track record on innovation performance over the past nine years has been outstanding.

“Andy has made a huge contribution in his four and a half years as chief marketing officer. In his new role, Andy will work with Nick and their talented teams to further strengthen our leading position in Africa, a region with enormous potential.”

Separately, Diageo has also announced that HR director Gareth Williams, who has been in the role since 1999, is to retire and will leave the executive committee on 30 June 2013. Williams will remain with Diageo until 30 June 2014, supporting a number of key projects.

Leanne Wood, currently the global talent and organisational effectiveness director, will be appointed HR director with effect from 1 July 2013, and will join the executive committee at that time.

Paul Walsh said: “Gareth has been absolutely pivotal to the creation of today’s Diageo, from shaping Diageo’s culture to putting people and values at the heart of our business. He has a total commitment to making Diageo a special and enduring company, and has guided the careers of many of its leaders today and those of the future. It has been a privilege to work with him.”

Menezes added: “I am delighted to welcome Leanne Wood to the Diageo executive in her new role. Leanne has a great track record across both strategy and HR, and wide experience of our business, having held roles in Ireland, South East Asia, Africa and our global functions.”